TRV
Translation
King James Version
So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.
Complete Jewish Bible
Their number, together with their kinsmen who had been instructed in singing to ADONAI, was 288, all well trained.
Berean Standard Bible
Together with their relatives, who were all trained and skillful in the songs of the LORD, they numbered 288.
American Standard Version
And the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in singing unto Jehovah, even all that were skilful, was two hundred fourscore and eight.
World English Bible Messianic
The number of them, with their brothers who were instructed in singing to the LORD, even all who were skillful, was two hundred eighty-eight.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So was their nomber with their brethre that were instruct in ye songs of the Lord, euen of al that were cunning, two hundreth foure score and eight.
Young's Literal Translation
And their number, with their brethren--taught in the song of Jehovah, all who are intelligent--is two hundred, eighty and eight.
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25 verses 1–7
1 ¶ Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
2 Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.
3 Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
4 Of Heman: the sons of Heman; Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamtiezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth:
5 All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.
6 All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.
7 So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.
Observe, I. Singing the praises of God is here called prophesying (Ch1 25:1-3), not that all those who were employed in this service were honoured with the visions of God, or could foretel things to come. Heman indeed is said to be the king's seer in the words of God (Ch1 25:5); but the psalms they sang were composed by the prophets, and many of them were prophetical; and the edification of the church was intended in it, as well as the glory of God. In Samuel's time singing the praises of God went by the name of prophesying (Sa1 10:5; Sa1 19:20), and perhaps that is intended in what St. Paul calls prophesying, Co1 11:4; Co1 14:24.
II. This is here called a service, and the persons employed in it workmen, Ch1 25:1. Not but that it is the greatest liberty and pleasure to be employed in praising God: what is heaven but that? But it intimates that it is our duty to make a business of it, and stir up all that is within us to it; and that, in our present state of corruption and infirmity, it will not be done as it should be done without labour and struggle. We must take pains with our hearts to bring them, and keep them, to this work, and to engage all that is within us.
III. Here were, in compliance with the temper of that dispensation, a great variety of musical instruments used, harps, psalteries, cymbals (Ch1 25:1, Ch1 25:6), and here was one that lifted up the horn (Ch1 25:5), that is, used wind-music. The bringing of such concerts of music into the worship of God now is what none pretend to. But those who use such concerts for their own entertainment should feel themselves obliged to preserve them always free from any thing that savours of immorality or profaneness, by this consideration, that time was when they were sacred; and then those were justly condemned who brought them into common use, Amo 6:5. They invented to themselves instruments of music like David.
IV. The glory and honour of God were principally intended in all this temple-music, whether vocal or instrumental. It was to give thanks, and praise the Lord, that the singers were employed, Ch1 25:3. It was in the songs of the Lord that they were instructed (Ch1 25:7), that is, for songs in the house of the Lord, Ch1 25:6. This agrees with the intention of the perpetuating of psalmody in the gospel-church, which is to make melody with the heart, in conjunction with the voice, unto the Lord, Eph 5:19.
V. The order of the king is likewise taken notice of, Ch1 25:2 and again Ch1 25:6. In those matters indeed David acted as a prophet; but his taking care for the due and regular observance of divine institutions, both ancient and modern, is an example to all in authority to use their power for the promoting of religion, and the enforcing of the laws of Christ. Let them thus be ministers of God for good.
VI. The fathers presided in this service, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun (Ch1 25:1), and the children were under the hands of their father, Ch1 25:2, Ch1 25:3, Ch1 25:6. This gives a good example to parents to train up their children, and indeed to all seniors to instruct their juniors in the service of God, and particularly in praising him, than which there is no part of our work more necessary or more worthy to be transmitted to the succeeding generations. It gives also an example to the younger to submit themselves to the elder (whose experience and observation fit them for direction), and, as far as may be, to do what they do under their hand. It is probable that Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun, were bred up under Samuel, and had their education in the schools of the prophets which he was the founder and president of; then they were pupils, now they came to be masters. Those that would be eminent must begin early, and take time to prepare themselves. This good work of singing God's praises Samuel revived, and set on foot, but lived not to see it brought to the perfection it appears in here. Solomon perfects what David began, so David perfects what Samuel began. Let all, in their day, do what they can for God and his church, though they cannot carry it so far as they would; when they are gone God can out of stones raise up others who shall build upon their foundation and bring forth the top-stone.
VII. There were others also, besides the sons of these three great men, who are called their brethren (probably because they had been wont to join with them in their private concerts), who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, and were cunning or well skilled therein, Ch1 25:7. They were all Levites and were in number 288. Now, 1. These were a good number, and a competent number to keep up the service in the house of God; for they were all skilful in the work to which they were called. When David the king was so much addicted to divine poesy and music many others, all that had a genius for it, applied their studies and endeavours that way. Those do religion a great deal of good service that bring the exercises of devotion into reputation. 2. Yet these were but a small number in comparison with the 4000 whom David appointed thus to praise the Lord, Ch1 23:5. Where were all the rest when only 288, and those but by twelve in a course, were separated to this service? It is probable that all the rest were divided into as many courses, and were to follow as these led. Or, perhaps, these were for songs in the house of the Lord (Ch1 25:6), with whom any that worshipped in the courts of that house might join; and the rest were disposed of, all the kingdom over, to preside in the country congregations, in this good work: for, though the sacrifices instituted by the hand of Moses might be offered but at one place, the psalms penned by David might be sung every where, Ti1 2:8.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 1 Chronicles 25:7 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 25:7 concludes the detailed enumeration of the Levitical musicians organized by King David for temple service, establishing a precise number of highly skilled individuals dedicated to sacred worship. This verse highlights the culmination of a meticulously planned system, emphasizing the divine instruction and exceptional proficiency of these 288 Levites, whose primary role was to lead Israel in praise through music that was specifically consecrated to the Lord.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler's account in 1 Chronicles 25:7 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. Enumeration is prominently featured, as the verse culminates in the precise number "two hundred fourscore and eight." This specific numerical detail serves to emphasize the meticulous organization and comprehensive nature of David's preparations for temple worship, highlighting the order and structure God desires in His service. Furthermore, there is a strong element of Emphasis on skill and divine purpose. The phrases "instructed in the songs of the LORD" and "all that were cunning" are not merely descriptive but serve to underscore the high qualifications and spiritual dedication required for this sacred ministry. This emphasis elevates the role of music in worship from a mere performance to a divinely ordained and highly skilled spiritual discipline. The Chronicler's detailed Cataloging throughout chapters 1 Chronicles 23-26, culminating in this summary number, also serves to validate the legitimacy and divine approval of the Levitical order and its various functions, reinforcing the idea of a divinely sanctioned structure for worship.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The precise organization of the Levitical musicians, culminating in the number 288, reflects a profound theological truth: God delights in ordered, skillful, and consecrated worship. This was not merely human ingenuity but a divinely inspired blueprint for maintaining a vibrant spiritual life for the nation. The emphasis on being "instructed in the songs of the LORD" and "cunning" in their craft speaks to the principle that our service to God should be marked by both spiritual devotion and the highest possible standard of excellence in the use of our gifts. Music, in this context, transcends mere entertainment; it becomes a powerful vehicle for expressing theological truth, invoking God's presence, and fostering communion between humanity and the divine. This Old Testament pattern foreshadows the New Testament call for believers to offer their best in worship, using their diverse gifts to build up the body of Christ and glorify God.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians in 1 Chronicles 25:7 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us that our worship of God should be intentional, ordered, and marked by excellence. Just as David ensured that those serving in the temple's musical ministry were "instructed" and "cunning," so too are we called to cultivate our gifts and talents for God's glory with diligence and skill. Whether in leading worship, serving in practical ministries, or simply living out our faith, our dedication should reflect the worthiness of the One we serve. This verse challenges us to consider if we are offering our "best" to the Lord, not out of a desire for human applause, but out of a deep reverence for His holiness and a commitment to honor Him in every aspect of our lives. Furthermore, it underscores the enduring power and significance of music as a vital component of spiritual expression and corporate worship, encouraging us to engage with it thoughtfully and wholeheartedly, allowing it to draw us deeper into communion with God and to express the truths of His Word.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the specific number 288 significant in this verse?
Answer: The number 288 (two hundred fourscore and eight) is significant because it represents the culmination of David's meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians. While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the preceding and following verses (1 Chronicles 25:1-31) detail 24 divisions or courses of musicians, each with 12 members. Thus, 24 courses multiplied by 12 members per course equals 288. This precise enumeration underscores the intentionality, order, and comprehensive nature of David's preparations for the future temple worship. It highlights that God's service is not to be haphazard but well-planned and executed with precision, ensuring continuity and excellence in the sacred duties. This level of detail emphasizes the importance of structure and dedication in the worship life of Israel, a principle that resonates throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the accounts of the tabernacle and temple service, such as the detailed instructions for the Levites in Numbers 3:15.
What does the word "cunning" mean in the context of 1 Chronicles 25:7?
Answer: In modern English, "cunning" often carries a negative connotation of slyness or deceit. However, in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, particularly in this context, "cunning" (from the Hebrew word בִּין, bîyn) means "skillful," "expert," "proficient," or "discerning." It refers to the exceptional mastery and understanding these Levitical musicians possessed in their craft. They were highly trained and accomplished in playing musical instruments and singing for the specific purpose of worshipping the Lord. This usage emphasizes that God desires and deserves our best, most refined skills and talents in His service, highlighting the importance of excellence and dedication in worship, as seen in other passages that commend skill in service, such as the Spirit-filled craftsmanship of Bezalel in Exodus 31:3.
How does the organization of these musicians relate to worship in the church today?
Answer: The meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians by David provides several enduring principles for worship in the church today. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of intentionality and order in corporate worship. Just as David planned for generations, churches should thoughtfully prepare their worship services, ensuring they are purposeful and edifying. Secondly, it highlights the need for excellence and skill in ministry. Those who lead worship or serve in any capacity should strive to develop their gifts to the best of their ability, recognizing they are serving a holy God who deserves our utmost. Thirdly, it underscores that music is a vital ministry, not just entertainment. The "songs of the LORD" were divinely inspired and purposed, reminding us that worship music should be theologically sound, spiritually enriching, and focused on glorifying God. Finally, it points to the corporate nature of worship, where many individuals, with diverse gifts, come together to serve a common purpose, much like the body of Christ functioning together, as described in Romans 12:4-8.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The elaborate organization of Levitical musicians in 1 Chronicles 25:7, dedicated to the "songs of the LORD" in the earthly temple, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament system provided a shadow of heavenly realities, Christ is the true and perfect worshipper, the ultimate High Priest who entered the true tabernacle, not made with human hands, but into heaven itself (Hebrews 8:1-2). The "songs of the LORD" that these Levites were instructed in foreshadow the "new song" sung by the redeemed around the throne, a song of praise to the Lamb who was slain and by His blood purchased people for God from every tribe and nation (Revelation 5:9-10). In Christ, the need for a specific tribe of musicians or a physical temple is transcended, as He Himself is the living Temple, raised up in three days (John 2:19-21). Believers, through their union with Christ, become a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship, not confined to a specific place or a select few, but offered in "spirit and truth" wherever they are (John 4:23-24). Thus, the meticulous order and skillful dedication of the Levitical musicians serve as a beautiful Old Testament pattern for the excellence and devotion with which all believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are now called to worship God through Christ, the Head of the church, in whom all things hold together and find their purpose (Colossians 1:17-18).